Jacksonville, Florida Mandates Masks In Public Just Weeks Before Hosting The Republican National Convention

A week after Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry spoke about not requiring masks in public, the city has reversed course and issued an order to mandate face-coverings.

The order requires masks to be worn when someone cannot socially distance indoors, however, it is not required outdoors. Masks are expected to be worn on beaches and in the city. Exceptions for face-coverings will be granted to people who have breathing problems, toddlers under the age of two and outside diners. 

Coronavirus cases have doubled in the city since Monday.

Director of Public Affairs for the City of Jacksonville, Nikki Kimbleton, said, “Health care experts advise masks and cloth face coverings to help slow the spread from individuals with COVID-19 to vulnerable populations including from those who are asymptomatic. We continue to urge everybody, please practice personal responsibility, do your part to please help stop the spread of this virus.”

This order was made after consultation with leaders of local hospitals, said the mayor’s Chief of Staff Jordan Elsbury. “Every single day, almost, we have conversations with hospital providers and CEOs and other members of our community and we felt that it was time to take this step,” Elsbury said.

In August, Jacksonville will host the Republican National Convention to re-nominate President Donald Trump, who has famously voiced his distaste for masks.